Episode 120 - Reviews of Vapor, Feathers #1, and The Dying and the Dead #1 - a podcast by Stergios Botzakis & Derek Royal

This week on the podcast, Derek and Andy W. review three new titles guaranteed to make you hyperventilate with excitement...so breathe deep and take in the good, comicy vapors. And speaking of which, they begin by discussing the new book by Spanish creator Max, Vapor (Fantagraphics). They start with a brief context on Max, whose past books include The Extended Dream of Mr. D. and Bardin the Superrealist. His latest work is just as surreal and dreamlike as the earlier ones, and the guys have a good time exploring the possible meanings embedded in the narrative. Next they turn to the new miniseries written and drawn by Jorge Corona, Feathers (Archaia/BOOM! Studios). In this inaugural issue we have a perfect mix of setup, teaser, and substantive storytelling. Andy and Derek focus on the detailed groundwork that Corona lays out in his story, one that is clearly intended for an all-age readership. Finally, the guys turn their attention to the latest creator-owned property from the ever-prolific Jonathan Hickman, The Dying and the Dead #1 (Image). On this title he reunites with Ryan Bodenheim -- whose early collaborations include A Red Mass for Mars and Secret -- and works with colorist Michael Garland. In fact, the guys spend a lot of time discussing Garland's use of color, which adds significantly to the art and especially to Hickman's storytelling. As with Corona's Feathers, this is definitely a series Derek and Andy plan to continue with, and when you throw in Vapor, you have this week's trifecta of Comics Alternative goodness.

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